What's Right For You?

If you’ve ever read our blog before, then you know not all forklifts are the same. Forklifts are created to suit a variety of needs for a variety of businesses, large and small. Knowing this one may wonder how to choose a forklift that fits their business. Well this blog will cover some of the basics on choosing a forklift that is best for you!

How Much Do You Know?

1.     It is important to consider fuel type when choosing a forklift?

a.     Yes, because you need to be able to properly charge or fuel your forklift.

b.     No, it’s simple to accommodate for the fueling and charging of a forklift.

2.     What is one of the most important measurements you can take before purchasing a forklift?

a.     The measurements of the forklift itself, in addition to lift height.

b.     The measurements of all doors the forklift will be passing through.

c.     The measurements of the shelving the forklift will be placing things on.

d.     All of the above.

3.     It’s important to know if you want something new or used.

a.     True

b.     False

4.     It is never a bad idea to have your own, or a third-party mechanic check out the forklift before purchase.

a.     True

b.     False

 

Get This…

Purchasing a forklift is not an easy feat. Purchasing your first forklift can be even more difficult. When purchasing a forklift there are some key things you should take into consideration. Below is a list that will aid you in the purchase of your forklift!

1.     Environment: A businesses’ environment strongly influences what type of forklift will work best for you. Some things to keep in mind are floor type and condition, whether the forklift will be outside or inside, and how big is the space that you have.

2.     Weight Capacity/Load Size: You don’t want to purchase a forklift that won’t be able to lift the things you need it to. So looking at what type of material you will be lifting the weight of that material and the size of that material is very important. From there you can determine what your forklift’s weight capacity needs to be.

3.     Height: Height is incredibly important. You want to make sure your forklift can reach all your shelving, while at the same time is able to fit through the doorways and garage doors that enclose your building.

4.     Tires: Some forklift tires are made for indoor use, while others are made for outdoor use.

5.     Fuel Type: There are three main fuel types that forklifts can use: LP, gas, and electric. Knowing your surrounding area is very important in determining which fuel type you will choose. In addition, fuel type can play a role in current and future costs that one will incur.

6.     New or Used: Knowing if a new or used forklift is right for the job you need is also an important factor, and can strongly influence cost!

Can You Answer This Question???

When discussing forklifts which part of the forklift does the word “ergonomics” typically refer to?

A.    The Forks

B.    The Engine

C.    The Seat

Ergonomics is defined by Webster as, “an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely.” I suppose this definition could fit with almost any of these answers, but the correct answer is C. Seats that utilize ergonomics, and are easily adjusted can help operators work for long periods of time and prevent back injuries.

Get The Facts!

Figuring out what type of forklift suits your companies needs is incredibly important, but almost equally important is making sure you have of age, certified drivers! Making sure your drivers are properly certified is not only the law, but it will save you a ton of hassle in the long run. Having properly certified drivers decreases the risk of accidents and injuries, and ensures that you will not be fined by OSHA.

…So Call

At Omega we can help you with all sorts of forklift inquiries and needs. Let us know what you’re looking for, and we’ll find it! We also offer forklift driver training classes! So if you are in need of our expertise, don’t be afraid to reach out. Our number is (513) 842-2012.

Beat (dia) Betes This November

Diabetes is becoming a larger and larger problem in America. It seems that so many people are letting their health slip between the cracks. It’s hard to focus on health when we are so consumed with other things like work, relationships, and extracurriculars. With so many of us falling into this category November has been named Diabetes Awareness Month. Although many of us feel as if we don’t have time to focus on health, with a little planning, and healthier lunches we can not only improve our health, but also reduce our risk of diabetes!

How Much Do You Know?

1.     There are different types of diabetes and they typically occur at different stages of life.

a.     True

b.     False

2.     What is Diabetes?

a.     Diabetes is a metabolic disease in which a person has high blood glucose (sugar).

b.     Diabetes is a metabolic disease in which a person has low blood glucose (sugar).

3.     Type 1 Diabetes is more common than type 2 diabetes.

a.     True

b.     False

Get This…

Diabetes can sneak up on you, but there are symptoms to look out for if you think that you or someone you love may have diabetes!

·       Excessive thirst

·       Insatiable hunger

·       Frequent urination

·       Ketones in the urine

·       Random weight loss

·       Fatigue

·       Blurry vision

·       Irritability

·       Frequent infections

·       Slow healing sores 

Can You Answer This Question???

What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

A.    Type 1 diabetes is known as early-onset diabetes and normally comes about in a person’s teenage years, and type 2 diabetes is normally diagnosed in adulthood.

B.     Type 2 diabetes is known as early-onset diabetes and normally comes about in a person’s teenage years, and type 1 diabetes is normally diagnosed in adulthood.

Some forms of diabetes come about during childhood and others during adulthood, so if you chose answer A then you are correct! It is reported that 10% of diabetes cases are type 1 while 90% consist of type 2!

Recipes!

Being overweight and inactive can heighten your chances of getting type 2 diabetes by a great deal. In fact the Imperial College of London found that people who drink 1 regular pop a day have a 20% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes! If you believe you are at risk, or have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, make a change! Below are diabetic friendly recipes that would make great packed lunches or dinners!

Beef and Vegetable Kabobs

·       1 pound boneless sirloin steak, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes

·       8 (1-inch) pieces yellow bell pepper (about 1 pepper)

·       8 small mushrooms (about 4 ounces)

·       8 (1-inch) pieced green onions (about 2)  

·       8 cherry tomatoes

·       1 teaspoon kosher salt

·       ½ teaspoon dried thyme

·       ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

·       cooking spray

·       2 teaspoons canola oil

Instructions

Preheat broiler, divide the first 5 ingredients evenly among 4 (12 inch) skewers, and sprinkle with salt, thyme, and black pepper. Place on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray; drizzle kebabs with oil. Broil 10 minutes or until desired degree of doneness, turning once.

Lemon Chicken Pita

·       ½ cup chopped green onions

·       1/3 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs

·       1 tablespoon Moroccan or Greek seasoning blend

·       ½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper               

·       2 large egg whites, lightly beaten                             

·       1 pound ground chicken

·       2 teaspoons grated lemon rind, divided

·       1 tablespoon olive oil

·       ½ cup plain low-fat yogurt

·       1 ½ teaspoons chopped fresh oregano

·       4 (6-inch) pitas, cut in half

·       2 cups shredded lettuce

·       ½ cup diced tomato

Instructions

Combine first 6 ingredients; add 1 teaspoon rind, stirring well. Divide mixture into 8 equal portions, shaping each into ¼-inch thick oval patties. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add patties; cook 2 minutes on each side or until browned. Cover, reduce heat to medium, and cook 4 minutes. Combine remaining 1 teaspoon rind, yogurt, and oregano, stirring well. Fill each pits half with 1 patty, 1 tablespoon yogurt mixture, ¼ cup lettuce, and 1 tablespoon tomato. 

Poblano, Mango, and Black Bean Quesadillas

·       1 teaspoon olive oil

·       1 ½ cups pre-sliced onion

·       ½ teaspoon dried oregano

·       ¼ teaspoon salt

·       1/8 teaspoon black pepper

·       1 poblano chile, seeded and chopped    

·       1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

·       1 cup jarred, sliced, peeled mango (or fresh)

·       1/3 cup cubed peeled avocado

·       4 (8 inch) fat- free flour tortillas

·       cooking spray

·       ½ cup (2 ounces) shredded reduced fat, sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

Preheat broiler. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, oregano, salt, pepper, and poblano; sauté 5 minutes or until onion is tender. Add beans; cook 1 minute or until heated. Remove from heat; stir in mango and avocado. Place flour tortillas on baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Arrange about ¾ cup bean mixture on half of each tortilla, leaving a ½ inch border. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons cheddar cheese over bean mixture, and fold tortilla in half. Lightly coat tortillas with cooking spray. Broil 3 minutes or until cheddar cheese melts. 

 Apple Spinach Salad

·       2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

·       2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

·       2 teaspoons Dijon mustard                                

·       2 teaspoons honey

·       ¼ teaspoon salt

·       1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

·       ½ cup thinly vertically sliced red onion

·       8 cups bagged prewashed baby spinach (8 ounces)

·       1 larger, firm, sweet-tart apple, cored and thinly sliced

·       ¼ cup (1 ounce) crumbled blue cheese

Instructions

Combine first 6 ingredients, stirring well with a whisk. Combine onion, spinach, and apple in a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing; toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with cheese.

These recipes were found on cookinglight.com 

…So Call

We aren’t dietitians and most of this information was found on Medical News Today, but if you have any questions about forklifts give us a jingle (513) 842-2012! 

Don't Wait! Don't Procrastinate!

Some of us are bigger procrastinators than others. A lot of this procrastination begins when we know that there is a big project ahead of us. This can be prevented by doing small portions of a project along the way; instead of waiting until something must be done! The same thing goes for forklift maintenance. A lot of us don’t want to keep up on it and would rather wait until there is a major issue to take action in fixing thier forklifts. This can end up taking more time, costing more money, and not to mention the stress and safety issues that are involved. So, regular cleaning and maintenance is a good idea when it comes to industrial machinery! 

How Much Do You Know?

1.     A frequently used forklift should have its fluids checked…

a.     Everyday

b.     Every other day

c.     Every week

2.     Ignoring low cost maintenance can cost you more in the long run.  

a.     True

b.     False

3.     It’s important to keep forklifts clean so that…

a.     There isn’t as much to clean the next time

b.     You can locate all the things you normally keep on a forklift, like tools

c.     You can easily detect parts that may need maintenance

Get This…

Not everything on a forklift needs to be checked daily, but some things do! Here is a small list of things that should be checked everyday!

1.     Inspect for leaks

2.     Look for clear signs of damage                        

3.     Check the tire condition                                             

4.     Make sure all lights are working

5.     Test the brakes, horn, and steering wheel

6.     Raise and lower forks to check the mast

7.     Check all fluids!!!

Can You Answer This Question???

What is the best way to wash an electric forklift?

a.     With a water hose

b.     With compressed air

c.     With a bucket of soap and water

Electric forklifts can be wiped down with water in certain areas. However, due to the fact that these trucks are electric, it is not a good idea to spray them with a hose. Instead the best way to clean electric trucks is to use compressed air, making B your answer.

Get The Facts!

Keeping forklifts and other machinery in pristine shape can save time and money. So make sure to keep things clean, and that you are performing regular maintenance checks! You won’t regret being proactive, but you will regret putting things off and having it cost you in the end!

…So Call

Omega performs a wide range of maintenance checks! All of our mechanics are more than qualified to inspect your forklifts and refill fluids. So...if you need us to come check out your truck give us a call (513) 842-2012!

Fuel Your Forklift

There are many different fuel types that forklifts can use. One of which isn’t even fuel at all, but electrictricity. Electric trucks are fairly common and have a lot of benefits. Of course, electric trucks require a battery to run, so knowing about battery maintenance and charging is key to keeping these trucks in good working condition!

How Much Do You Know?

1.     Not all electric trucks use the same batteries.

a.     True

b.     False

2.     Batteries with different voltage require different battery chargers.

a.     True

b.     False

3.     What are the two most common colored connectors for industrial battery chargers?

a.     Red and green

b.     Blue and orange

c.     Grey and Red

4.     Both forklift batteries and battery chargers are incredibly heavy.     

a.     True

b.     False

Get This…

Charging your battery correctly can help prolong its lifespan! Here are a couple of Do’s and Don’ts of charging your forklift’s battery.

Don’t Do This

·       Make sure not to over discharge your battery. Batteries should be charged well before they are dead.

·       Do not charge your battery when it is not needed. Wait to charge your forklift’s battery when you can charge it completely.

Do This

·       Always charge batteries in a well-ventilated area.

·       It benefits your battery to let it have a full charge cycle after every 8 hours of using the forklift. 

Can You Answer This Question???

One way a forklift’s battery preserves itself is by saying it has 0% charge when in actuality it still contains 30% charge.

a.     True

b.     False

It is incredibly harmful for a forklift battery to be completely uncharged, this is called deep-cycling and will shorten the life of your battery. Because of this many forklifts will say that they are at 0% battery power when they are really at 20%, giving the operator a chance to charge the battery before it is fully dead. So, if you chose False you are correct. If you chose true, at least you are on the right track!

 

Get The Facts!

Changing forklift batteries may seem like an easy job, but there are some hazards when partaking in this kind of activity. Not only are forklift batteries incredibly heavy, but they also contain sulfuric acid which can burn your eyes and skin, along with other things that can make this process dangerous. Here are some quick tips when changing your forklifts battery.

1.     Make sure your forklift is parked with the engine off!

2.     Make sure you are changing the battery in a smoke free zone with plenty of space.

3.     Wear protective gear, like glasses, and possibly gloves.

4.     You may need a conveyor or overhead hoist to help lift the battery due to their weight.

5.     Battery covers should be open to allow heat to dissipate.

6.     Make sure that the reinstalled battery is in the proper position and secure in the forklift!

7.     Double check to make sure no tools are left on or around the forklift battery.    

   

    …So Call

      We service and sell a wide range of forklifts as well as forklift batteries and their chargers   so if you  have questions give us a call or shoot us an e-mail!

E-mail: omega.rockett@yahoo.com

Call: (513) 842-2012

Multiple Choice Answers: 1/A, 2/A, 3/C, 4/A